A good story should have the who, why, where, when and how to move the characters along. The who can be described by their mannerisms, what they say or think, or how the third person narrator explains. I have read hundreds of fiction, science and domestic, in my lifetime to know when descriptions become tedious to go on reading. Haven't you done the same skipping over parts then admonishing yourself later when those parts becomes important to the story? I have tried to write my story with narrative and discovery to move my characters along and keep them interesting.Why did I do this? Why is this story any different than any other science fiction? My personal reasons were that, as most authors, I have an agenda. I wanted to express my ideas in a readable format. My characters are presented to look like us but are so different than us. Or are they? I wanted to express a projection of what may happen if we continue our current path of liberty erosions into the future and have reflect it back upon ourselves. Our world today has so many conflicts between, neighboring countries, between religions (though better than it used to be), and between men and women. My story tries to address most of these issues. But in all dilemmas, even if you solve one problem, another rears up to be addressed. I chose science fiction because I could make up characters and scenarios, not of this earthly world, that seemed more challenging to write about, and thus avoiding hurting a real person's feeling. So I chose Mars. As our science information continues to grow and inform us, it's a good chance that we will eventually be settling on Mars and our Moon in the future, which also explains the 'when.'Writing this story has broadened my knowledge from our universe to exotic tunnel digging machines. The internet is abound with this type of information to help any writer with certain details that one doesn't encounter in everyday life. I also feel that the mechanics of putting this story together helps me focus in life better.

Wind farms and solar panels can be deployed to provide energy on Mars. Unfortunately these are not efficient when it comes to months of continual sand storms. The windmills would have to be small to handle some of the winds up to 70 mph, and the solar panels can be automatically turned to protect their surface. Both of these methods do not store the energy unless acres and acres of battery material can be produced. As a result, there would be long periods that no energy would be running the habitats or our machines inside. Our only hope is some type of nuclear fuel. The plus is cleaner output, but the negative is where to store the used radioactive solids. Due to the problems that the windmills and solar panels have, I touch nuclear fuel lightly in passing. Will we solve these problems in 300 years? We have a lot of work to do. Here's a recent article on using nuclear fuel. http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaellynch/2013/08/26/renewed-trust-in-nuclear-power/From 'Similar':Coffee was brought in by an orderly and placed on a small table nearby. A cup was poured and given first to the Major, then another one to Alice.“It was hard building the infrastructure we have today, but we have all of our needs in place for water and power resources,” he continued. “Got some great solar collectors over there on the easterly flats. Can’t keep the wind generators going with the way the Martian winds blow, except for a few spots near the Station. That is why this base was built here in this crater near the western rim, most of the time we just use nuclear fuel. Our windmills are small but many, as compared to the ones they use on Earth."

Sandstorms can be a real problem on Mars. Book excerpt:"They last for months. The seasons on Mars are timed about the same as Earth’s but longer. The Spring on Mars is seven months; summer is six months; fall is longer than five months; and winter is just over 4 months. In all, a Mars year totals at 1.88 years long. Sometimes the winds have been clocked up to 350mph with an average of sixty miles per hour during the spring and summer seasons. The winds had been known to move large boulders the size of two story houses across the drifting sands."Where and how would we mitigate the storms while we try to live on Mars? If we used solar cells as we do on Earth, how are they cleaned. Here are some excepts to give you an idea of the enormity of cleaning solar panels after a sand storm:For larger commercial rooftop systems, the financial burden is large, but still rarely enough to warrant the cost of washing the panels. On average, panels lost a little less than 0.05 percent of their overall efficiency per day. Applying a hydrophobic coating on Earth that forms a barrier so when water accumulates on the surface it is blocked from adhering to the surface by the barrier. This means that when a treated surface is tilted at an angle, the water rolls off the surface. Would sand do the same? Research has estimated that a dust layer of 4 grams per square meter can decrease solar power conversion by 40 percent. Dust is distributed in Arizona at a rate of 17 grams per square meter per month.In my story concerning the panels, as do some on earth, after supplying energy that can be stored in sophisticated batteries or turbines they can then be rotated to face the surface until the storm has passed, but for a limited time, as the storms on Mars takes months. As to movement to maximize sun reception, some work on the sunflower theory:When sunlight hits a mirror beneath the solar panel, it is reflected to focus onto one of multiple actuators made of LCE and carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes warm as they absorb light, and the difference of heat causes the LCE to contract, causing the assembly to bow in the direction of the strongest sunlight.Wind power could be an alternative but the same problem can occur when winds pick up to 250mph. Will we solve this dilemma in 300 years from now?

Two other major players in my book is Reverend Conrad Phillips and Frederick the cat.Reverend Conrad Phillips is in his fifties. his long time friend, the Major, had asked him to come to Mars a few years ago. He knows that religion is not on everyone's mind but he always tries to throw advice in whenever it's possible. The reverend doesn't represent any religion in particular, but has decided to wear the traditional black frock with white collar to maintain his belief to others that he has to look the part of a religious person.

Frederick the cat was rescued by Alice on Earth before she left to work on the Moon. Fitted with body and ankle weights, he gets around almost too well. Most of the time he spends free time outside of his cage when Alice lets him out for play time or eating. He was chosen to be the test animal on the Moon and later when Alice brought him to Mars. Of course, he's not too happy staying in his cage until his mistress let him out one day to play. That was the day he escaped.

Here is an excerpt on Reverend Conrad Phillips:“Have a seat Miss Morgan,” he gestured. “Please call me Alice, Sir, I notice that you have a lot of old books there, do you read them all?”“As long as you don’t call me ‘Sir’, Reverend is fine. ‘Sir’ sounds like you are addressing the Major. As to the books, yes, they still give me inspiration. Old books are like old friends, I just can’t see reading them on fancy tablets. Some of these rituals go back a thousand years or more. Unfortunately most of these ceremonies have been discarded for a new way of thinking,” he said admiring one of them as he placed it on the bookshelf.“Many still believe in the old ways, Reverend.”“Yes, but the current sentiment, which changes direction with the prevailing politics or the Martian wind, is to take the easy way out, not marry, don’t discipline your children or our convicts, and who knows what else. But I don’t wish to make you uncomfortable, I understand that it takes two to compromise.“Now, I know why you are here, but tell me about yourself. In my business, knowing the background of everyone helps me further my endeavors to be a worthy guide,” he added as he sat down and offered her the other chair.--------------------------A two days in the life of Frederick the cat:Frederick, twisted around, was grooming his back on the bed, when the door of Alice’s cabin suddenly opened, causing him to jump slightly. “Oh, Frederick, you never guess in a million years…” Alice went on describing her talk with Manika and her encounter with Mike. Frederick only heard “blah, blah, blah, blah...,” and proceeded to continue his grooming since he didn’t hear the word ‘food’ or ‘kibble’ mentioned. He noticed that his mistress did not come over and scratch behind his ears like she usually does. She was sitting at her desk playing a machine that also went “blah, blah, blah.” So he jumped off the bed and onto the desk. Alice stretched out her left hand, but just quickly patted the top of his head, he didn’t like that.“Yeoowww!” I’m sorry, Freddy, but I got to get this done first while it is still fresh in my mind, then we’ll have a hot chocolate and treat time.” Energized, Alice continued to transcribe her notes. Frederick decided to take his frustrations out on his squeaky mouse toy by a flying attack to the floor.

Two other supporting characters are:Major David Holbrook, the military commander of the Mars Station for the last three years. He's in his late forties, only married to his job, took this position as his last hoorah before he retires, and has a hard time understanding why women would want to come to this desolate planet.Mike Carone, also not married in his thirties, saw this job opportunity as a way toward advancement when he returns to Earth. He has been on the station for two years overseeing the labor pool and construction. Mike starts falling in love with Alice when they first meet but can't be open about his feelings until she gets hurt. He would like to see more settlers come to Mars in the future to help with the development processes.

Here is a direct photo of Galle Crater, sometimes called the "Happy Face Crater. It sits on the eastern edge of a large impacted basin called Argyre. This crater is well known in the comic book Watchmen.Here is an excerpt of Major Holbrook holding a briefing and another scene where Mike Carone finds Alice has taken off on her own:The next day three department heads, Engineer Ethan Perkins, James Penrod, head of construction, and Mike Carone Chief Civil Engineer along with Alice, and Reverend Phillips were seated in the Major’s office. The Major’s secretary near the desk was ready to take notes on the receiving console. “Where to put them, that’s a good question,” the Major began,“ Mike what are your thoughts on a good location?”Mike thought for a second, and then voiced, “Major, I want to know where they are at, I want to see them but I don’t want them close enough to interfere or know what we are doing.”“I agree with Mike,” James began, “how about a hundred miles to the east, it would be on the other side of this crater from our base.”“But then we wouldn’t really ‘see’ them, except by our satellite overhead,” the Major explained “I believe in the old saying: I want my friends close, but my enemies closer. Reverend - any thoughts?”Rev. Phillips cleared his throat, then carefully chose his words, “I think you are correct Major, it is better they are closer so they can be easily watched. The satellite can give us good topography, but not so much what they may do on the ground. I suggest maybe ten miles away.”“Alice, you have been quiet so far, where do you think our new acquaintances should locate? The Major inquired.----------------------------------“And where is this man now? The Major asked as his hands tightened into fists.“He should be working on Safe Room F," Mike explained. "I will leave you here to check out your Corporal when he wakes up. I plan on going down to see Wentworth right now, after all, he is under my command.”“Make sure your ‘six’ are still here. I don’t want any ahmans wandering around or to get to Wentworth first before we do.”“Yes, sir, I will call you as soon as we get him into custody.”Mike immediately stood up and entered the hall. Looking around briefly, he could only see five investigators from his group. Alice was missing!“Where did Alice go?” he questioned looking around at blank faces.“Maybe she went to the restroom,” replied James Penrod.“She walked past me and turned down the hallway,” Benza offered.“Damn it! That woman went to find Wentworth!” Mike exclaimed and started running back through the hall with the others scrambling after him.Alice had stopped quickly at her cabin to dress into her protective suit with an oxygen tank. Not a word was spoken to Frederick, who was still in his cage as she dashed from her cabin. Running, as much as one can run on Mars with a slight trot, she navigated through the hallways right, then left. Her leg, still wrapped within the brace was beginning to ache. Entering an elevator, she was transported down to the tunnel entrance. Flashing her ID badge, she ran through the sliding open doors that closed behind her.

Alice, standing at 5'8" tall at the current age of 32, became a worker on the Moon with one of the mining companies established there. She had been married but later became divorced; dating the company's manager didn't pan out well either. Most of the workers on the moon were men. She was trying to write a psychological paper about isolation on the base aside from her other duties, and these men didn't want to share. Most of the men came to the moon were the sort that like being alone, except when they got together for beer and cards. When a job opened up on Mars and her relationship ended, she decided to apply and bring her cat with her.According to native American folklore, there is a rabbit in the moon, not a man's face. Look hard and tilt your eyesight to the right to see it. The 'ears' are on the right side.Here are a few paragraphs from the book as Alice gets ready to leave the Moon:"Brushing her shoulder length ash blonde hair, she looked intently at herself. In the reflection she could see Frederick, her cat, in the background pawing her things from the open suitcase on the bed. Frederick was sort of an experiment on how to adapt animals to zero gravity, and how to handle their waste. He was an old hand in space after being rescued on Earth and living on the Moon with Alice. The cat had to wear body and leg weights to keep him grounded. Though Alice thought it was funny, when she removed them one day, to see him trying to walk the walls and the ceiling in the low moon gravity. "Now, now,” she admonished the feline as she took off his body weights to lift him more easily, “You get to travel in your own case.”

Into the kennel box she pushed the cat, closing the front wire gate behind him. Under the kennel was a compartment that would separate for the cat’s toilet when needed. Every waste from humans was flashed burned in specially designed compartments with laser heat, as there was no place to put it in space or on the moon. Any object in space can eventually become a puncturing missile. So it was imperative to contain everything not recyclable.

Next Alice closed her suitcase, picked up her boarding pass and opened her door. She then hefted the twenty-five pound cat and cage, which actually felt like five pounds on the moon, and marched out through the cabin door."

I set my story to begin far away in another solar system where two of my main characters live. After their ancestors had been pushed into outer space due to a planetary disaster, the current inhabitants became more adapt at space exploring. Even though their technology is 2000 years ahead of ours, I wanted these characters to be similar to us in appearance and actions. The story portrays a reflection of ourselves and what our thinking may be in our future. Two themes flow through my story. I have always been bothered by the constant conflict between men and women. So why not dissolve this problem with my characters by making them single entities. By doing this, I met another challenge. Since they weren't hes or shes, I could not refer to them by the pronouns we normally use: he, she, him, and her. I have read sci-fi stories about such creatures but I wanted these people to function as close to us as possible. In my research I chose the kangaroo with its unusual gestation design and pouch, and then I read about the garibaldi fish that will function as a male when none are available. Like us, my characters explore the galaxy to see if there are others like themselves out in the universe. Now that the gender problem is solved, things are still not perfect. We as humans have destroyed all of our different species in our past, what if they still had other species of their kind still living? How would they handle that?I asked myself, what would we do once we escape our solar system and found another species out there? Look at what we have done to people and lands our ancestors have conquered in the past? Are we as humans destined to repeat our history?The other theme I tried to depict was where will our mindset about social issues or traditions be heading in 300 years. Look at what has happened to our views on many ideas in the last 500 years. I also expect that we would have started to settle on our Moon and Mars, so I placed my characters in this background.How did my character's planet get destroyed? I had a bounty of social problems to drawn from occurring on our planet to explain the planet's destruction. Is our society becoming so numbed by violence shown everyday in our news and movies that three bored children thinks it would be fun to shoot another person and take his life? Or do the lonely, picked on people have such a distorted way of thinking that killing a group of people is a way out? It is not the weapons used, the killers made this choice on their own. When an animal population in an area becomes too crowded, either they kill off their own members by fighting or starve to death from lack of food. Is our society becoming like this? Are we so far removed from our animal cousins that we can't see the trees for the forest?Our youth is becoming desensitized watching violent video games and movies produced by the liberal media, who at the same time claim they are against violence. Instead of showing how we as people have similarities between our races and religions, our leaders constantly point out our differences in order to gain votes.Well, enough of the soapbox. I decided to use this mixture in the why of my character's planet's destruction.

When a viable planet matures does it stand to reason that its inhabitants also mature?I believe evolution is real, it is so slow that we don't see it. When a change occurs, and that is what evolution is, we panic and attribute the cause to the wrath of God or man made pollution. Our planet Earth rotates in an elliptical circle around our sun. This means there are moments in the cycle when the Earth is closer to the sun than other times. There also has been heavily polluted skies in prehistoric eras from spewing volcanoes. Our Earth changes constantly, we just choose not to see. Though scientists assure us that our Earth's orbit will remain stable for 100 million years, it is not perfect. Slight variances do occur.I just found this interesting article on Antarctica:http://www.washington.edu/news/2013/08/14/earth-orbit-changes-were-key-to-antarctic-warming-that-ended-last-ice-age/"...warming in West Antarctica 20,000 years ago is not explained by a change in the sun’s intensity. Instead, how the sun’s energy was distributed over the region was a much bigger factor. It not only warmed the ice sheet but also warmed the Southern Ocean that surrounds Antarctica, particularly during summer months when more sea ice melting could take place."This is written as pro-global warming, you decide.